Calf Action Network

The Calf Action Network (CAN) is a collaborative initiative focused on improving the health, welfare and management of calves across the UK. The network brings together farmers, advisors, veterinarians, processors, retailers, researchers and policymakers to share best practice, identify challenges and develop practical solutions that support calves from birth through early life. 

What does the CAN do?

The Calf Action Network plays a key role in supporting delivery of the GB Calf Strategy, leading the Right Start pillar, which aims to ensure all calves receive the best possible start in life through good colostrum management, nutrition, housing, handling and early health care. By promoting evidence-based practice and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, the network helps drive consistent improvements in calf outcomes across the supply chain. 

Innovation for Agriculture coordinates and facilitates the Calf Action Network, providing a neutral platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange across the livestock sector. IfA supports the delivery of events, workshops and discussions that bring together diverse stakeholders to address calf health and welfare challenges in a practical and constructive way. 

As part of this role, IfA is leading the GB Calf Strategy’s Right Start pillar, working closely with members of the Calf Action Network to drive meaningful and measurable improvements in calf welfare. The pillar focuses on three key goals:

1. Ensuring standardised and evidence-based advice is available to support husbandry and management decisions

2. Ensuring the value of calf stockmanship is recognised by the industry

3. Reducing the impact of TB testing on calf rearing to improve handler and calf safety, increase flexibility in onward movements and enable weaning at an appropriate age to maximise growth potential and calf value.

Working collaboratively with network members, IfA will develop clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and agree approaches to data collection and measurement to track progress against these goals and support their successful implementation on farm. 

Why get involved in the CAN?

The Calf Action Network offers farmers, advisors and industry stakeholders the opportunity to engage with a wide range of expertise and perspectives focused on improving calf outcomes. By getting involved, participants can stay informed about emerging best practice, contribute to discussions shaping the GB Calf Strategy, and help identify practical solutions that work across different production systems. 

The network provides a space to share experiences, learn from others and influence future priorities for calf health, welfare and management in the UK. 

How farmers, advisors and stakeholders can get involved 

There are several ways to engage with the Calf Action Network, including: 

• Attending Calf Action Network meetings, workshops and webinars 

• Taking part in discussion groups and knowledge exchange activities 

• Sharing on-farm experiences, challenges and case studies 

• Engaging with outputs linked to the GB Calf Strategy – Right Start pillar 

Opportunities to get involved are promoted through IfA’s communication channels. 

Where to find further information 

• Sign up to the IfA newsletter to receive updates and event information 

• Attend IfA-hosted events and webinars related to calf health and welfare 

• Contact catherinec@i4agri.org  to express interest in joining the network or future activities